Located on the 32nd and 33rd floors of the swanky Hyatt on the Bund, Vue Bar is one of Shanghai’s hottest nightlife destinations. With sweeping views of the Huangpu River and even its own hot tub on the terrace, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening in the city.
This two-storey, vintage jazz bar is the go-to destination for live music on the Bund, with the house band playing a mix of jazz, soul and funk, usually from 9.30pm. Arrive early if you want a seat, or choose to eat at the accompanying brasserie beforehand – it serves a mixture of European dishes into the early hours of the morning.
With its riverside location, crowds of beautiful people and sleek, upmarket decor, Bar Rouge is a destination for premium partying in Shanghai. The views from the rooftop terrace are mesmerising, but be prepared to pay for them. Cover charges are usually 100RMB (£11) for weekend evenings, and that’s before you’ve splurged on something delicious off the pricey cocktail list.
This popular restaurant chain is famous for spicy Yunnan cuisine, but the Bund location also comes with a popular terrace bar. Located on the rooftop of the restaurant, Lost Heaven Bar serves up an extensive cocktail selection and offers commanding views of the Pudong side of the river.
This bar dates back to 1911 when it was the social centre of the exclusive men-only Shanghai Club. The baroque building now houses the Shanghai Waldorf Astoria, which has refurbished the Long Bar to its turn-of-the-century glory. Check out the Waldorf Classics menu for some pre-Prohibition-style cocktails to really feel the spirit of this historic bar.
The Captain is a rooftop bar atop a budget hostel of the same name. Reservations are recommended if you want to enjoy a drink while looking out on its award-winning view – the bar won editor’s pick in Shanghai’s 2017 WOW awards. Modelling itself as a speakeasy, The Captain offers a wonderful evening of drinks and atmosphere without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking to dance into the early hours, M1NT is the place to be. It combines a multi-award-winning grill restaurant, swanky lounge bar and top-floor nightclub. With tanks of real sharks, 360-degree views of the city and upbeat musical stylings, M1NT is a truly memorable destination – though be sure to dress your best, as it enforces a strict dress code.
For a romantic night of luxury, head to the Ritz’s rooftop Flair Bar. Sip premium cocktails while gazing at the best view of Shanghai’s iconic landmark, the Oriental Pearl Tower. The highest view on the Bund also features some of the highest prices, but the view is worth the expense – especially if you have someone to impress.
This drinking spot is a sharp contrast to many of the other bars on the Bund. This quirky bowling alley blasts out dance music and flashing lights as you take to the lanes, and it offers BOGOF (buy one, get one free) deals on draft beer from 10pm until closing. If bowling isn’t your thing, don’t worry: as well as its on-site bar and restaurant, Bund Bowl also offers karaoke, foosball and darts.
This rooftop bar is located on the ninth floor of Bund 27 and offers epic views of the Huangpu River. Along with its DJ sets, the venue is also known for extensive, multi-award-winning wine lists – it brought home eight awards in 2018’s China’s Wine List of the Year Awards. If you go, be sure to keep your eyes open for a star sighting – the building also houses the prestigious members-only Roosevelt Club that is frequented by local celebrities and diplomats.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Rachel Deason.